Songs Of Taize Vol 1: O Lord, Hear My Prayer/My Soul Is At Rest by Songs Of Taize

Reviewed by David Faulkner

Welcome to the Chillout Room. As clubbers need a contrast early on Sunday morning, so worshippers need more than the youthful passion of Redman and the spiritual intensity of Wesley. Except that Taize music is more than chillout. This French community has a pan-European ministry to young people. It sends its roots deep into the worship heritage of earlier centuries. The music ministers across the Christian spectrum - to liberals, Catholics, post-evangelicals, and the Spring Harvest constituency. Most songs are simple chants based on Bible verses or ancient prayers. Some are in Latin (supposedly it is the international language - a dubious claim now). Until Kingsway began this series (so far three recordings: this 2-CD set is a reissue of the first two) aficionados had to rely on poorly recorded cassettes. These British re-recordings for the CD generation were the brain-children of Maggi Dawn and Andy Cross. They feature a small choir and simple instrumentation. All the hits are present: "O Lord, Hear My Prayer", "Adoramus Te Domine", "Jesus Remember Me", "Veni Sancte Spiritus". Occasionally the tempo is too slow but if you're serious about connecting deeply with God, then go buy. Now who will reinterpret Taize for the MP3 crew?